New Air Force Officers Graduate
After 22 weeks of intensive training, the Royal New Zealand Air Force celebrated the graduation of 13 Officers from the Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC) on 4 December 2009. The Reviewing Officer for the graduation parade was Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commodore Gavin Howse.
IOTC aims to develop leadership and military skills and introduce aspiring officers to the RNZAF. Throughout the IOTC, students are assessed for their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Knowledge is generally assessed in the form of written assignments, essays, tests and tutorials.
Skills are generally assessed via practical means such as oral presentations, range shooting, first aid and outdoor leadership exercises. Attitudes are assessed as a series of defined core competencies that are continually monitored by all staff. The heaviest emphasis is placed on leadership skills and core competencies as these attributes are an integral requirement for all RNZAF Officers.
The new graduates can now look forward to being posted as pilots, air crew or to logistics and operational support positions.